MERCHANTS AND EXHIBITORS

​Because of construction around the Union Station complex, we will not be able to host the marketplace this year. Please keep in touch and join us for Kansas Railfest 2019!

Train Rides!​Thanks to our hard-working volunteers, our historic Whitcomb locomotive will be back in operation. You can also take a short ride behind this "critter" through the Museum grounds.

Note - Due to the costs associated with restoration of our historic Whitcomb locomotive, there will be a separate charge for rides.

​​Ride tickets are :

$5 for ages 3 and up

2 and under are free when not occupying a seat.​

​Photo Courtesy - Unknown Photographer from NYCTA archives

Punch your ticket for a Ride on the Rails featuring Thad's original train songs about historical trains along with some familiar railroad tunes. Hear railroad sounds and special effects on the harmonica and participate in Thad's Boxcar Bucket Band.

Celebrate Historical Railroads: the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe,The Missouri Pacific and Rock Island Line, the 1st passenger rail in the U.S., a train of Disney movie fame, a short-guage mountain RR, the Wreck of the 252, the Cowee Tunnel Disaster and more.

Familiar tunes include Wabash Cannonball, New River Train, Orange Blossom Special and John Henry.

Event proceeds will go toward helping the museum's mission - to preserve and convey the unique history of railroading in the Great Plains through acquisition, restoration, research, exhibition, and education.

ATTRACTIONS FOR THIS YEAR:

TRAIN RIDES

"RIDIN' THE RAILS WITH THAD BEACH"

KANSAS RAILFEST

DOWNTOWN WICHITA

SEPTEMBER 22, 2018

KANSAS RAILFEST

Our GM-2, 30 Ton Whitcomb locomotive, built in 1934, is shown here loading NYC subway cars from the docks to Manhattan Island. This locomotive had quite a history, serving several different owners across the country. It last served at the Augusta, KS. Mobile Oil refinery before being donated to the museum. This locomotive, and our historic former U.S. Army Plymouth locomotive, are in our rotation of available power to pull our train.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

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The Great Plains Transportation Museumwill be hosting the third annual Kansas Railfest Saturday, September 22nd 2018.

Because of construction around the Union Station Complex, this year's event will be within the confines of the Great Plains Transportation Museum at 700 East Douglas. The focus of this year's event will be entirely on trains and will feature some special attractions and activities.

Admission is only $10.00 for age 13 and over. Kids 12 and under are free!